Gemotions

The old book, *Grimm's Fairy Tales*, felt heavy in her hands. She had always loved the dark stories, the twisted endings. The letter fell out, a simple note, written in pencil on a scrap of paper, revealed a secret. A secret about her family. The world tilted on its axis.

Her throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe. She slammed the book onto the table, the force of the action rattling the dishes. She felt a burning pressure behind her eyes, the familiar precursor to a meltdown.

She fumbled for her phone, dialing her sister's number. Her voice caught, a strangled sound that was half-sob, half-plea. The walls seemed to be closing in, trapping her in a suffocating embrace.